Archaeology of Fatehpur Sikri: New Discoveries

by D.V. Sharma

The Archaeology of Fatehpur Sikri-New Discoveries is a fundamental research work on medieval archaeology.  It contains results of excavations at Birchhabili-Tila and exploration of the region within a radius of 25 km.  Besides this, chronological study of the monuments have been made phase-wise along with inscriptions and mason marks.  The site of Ibadat-Khanah which Akbar founded for religious and philosophical discussions has been identified with fair amount of certainty. 

The Agni-Kunda of so-called Jodha Bai's Palace, Hiran-Minar, and other monuments have been discussed with new interpretations according to contemporary historical records.  This strikingly illustrated volume is the result of first hand research work and deals with many aspects afresh right from prehistory to the present time.  Illuminating, in place provocative, this book should instigate further discussion and debate about one of the most dynamic and exiting periods in medieval Indian history.  Written lucidly and yet with strong supportive historical evidence, the book is valuable for a general interest reader as well as a historian/archaeologist.

About the Author:

D.V. Sharma was born on 2 October 1952 at Village Harevali (Delhi).  He did his Post-graduation from Kurukshetra University, Post-graduate diploma in Archaeology from the Institute of Archaeology, New Delhi, Mphil from Delhi University and PhD from Agra University.  He was appointed lecturer of History in D.A.V. College, Hassangarh (Haryana) and subsequently joined the Archaeological Survey of India in 1977.  He participated in many excavation projects with Prof.  B.B. Lal and Shri K.N. Dixit and other archaeologists at Sringaverpur, Ayodhya, Hulas, Pariyar, Bhardwaj-Ashram, Ramapuram and other sites in India.  He explored many sited including the Harappan site at Mandoli (in Delhi) for the first time.  He has excavated sites such as Birchhabili-Tila at Fatehpur Sikri and Madarpur, Distt. Muradabad.  Recently, he has carried out excavations at the ancient sites of Govishan at Kashipur (Uttaranchal), Hansi (Haryana) and Harappan Necropolis site at Sanauli (U.P.). 

Dr. Sharma is an archaeologists, conservator and museologist of international repute.  He has served as Superintending Archaeologist in different Circles and Branches of ASI including Delhi and Agra Circles.  He is widely traveled and has contributed books and several research papers on the subject in various Indian and international journals.